HomeMy WebLinkAboutWEST VINE STORAGE - PDP - PDP170016 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - ECS REPORT� �� � .�:1-. ����t a � � �; � � : ��Y�. i
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June 5, 2017
Fredric Hattman
Hattman Architects
524 South Loomis Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80521
RE: West Vine Storage Ecological Characterization Study
Mr. Hattman,
Per your request we have prepared this Ecological Characterization Study (ECS) for the 2.7-acre
site known as West Vine Storage located near the northeast corner of West Vine Drive and North
Shields Street in Fort Collins, Colorado. This ECS is required by Section 3.4.1 (D) (1) of the
City of Fort Collins Land Use Code because the site is adjacent to Aurthur Ditch, which is
identified as a natural habitat of feature by the City of Fort Collins. Because wetlands associated
with the ditch do not extend into the project site, city staff has indicated that an abbreviated
memo-style ECS is sufficient.
The abbreviated ECS follows on the subsequent pages.
Sincerely,
i�'�G�t� %17�2Y
Natural Resource Specialist
West Vine Storage
Ecological Characterization Study
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1.0 Introduction
5�
This memo documents ecological characteristics of the West Vine and Shields development. The
2.7 acre is comprised of two Larimer County parcels (970234001 and 9702340002). The
proposed site plan shows 14 commercial buildings each with storage units of various sizes. All
of the storage building will be single store in nature. A two story building will be the residential
caretakers unit that contains the managing office. This building will be residential in size, scale
and materials to be similar to other residential buildings in the neighborhood. The storage
buildings that are along West Vine Drive are small units and the buildings are small in length so
there is visual separation similar to residential uses. These building are setback from the curb line
by thirty-six feet of landscaped buffer.
The site was visited by Matt Tobler (Natural Resource Specialist) and Abbey Rutherford with
Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting on June l, 2017_
2.0 Site Description
The Property is bounded by single family residential developments and commercial properties.
It currently contains a vacant single family residence, a barn, two sheds, a garage, a cell tower
and a support building. The majority of the site is presently an open field. A concept sketch
diagram and City of Fort Collins Natural Habitats and Features Inventory Map are provided in
Appendix A.
3.0 Ecological Characterization
The elements of the Ecological Characterization Study are summarized in the order listed in
Section 3.4.1 (D) (1) of the Land Use Code. According to the City of Fort Collins Natural
Habitats and Features Inventory Map Aurthur Ditch, located along the northern Property
boundary is an aquatic feature.
3.1 Wildlife
This Property likely supports a variety of generalist wildlife species that are adapted to
fragmented habitats characteristic of residential neighborhoods.
Avifauna that can be expected to make seasonal and/or year-round use of the site include a
number of urban-adapted avifauna such as American robin (Turdus migratorius), mourning dove
(Zenaidura macroura), Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto), magpie (Pica pica),
swallows, American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and common raven (Corvus corax). A
variety of passerine migrant species can also be expected to use the site on a seasonal basis. A
pair of mallard ducks (Anus platyrhynchos) was observed on Aurthur Ditch.
West Vine Storage
Ecological Characterization Study
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Mammals including mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), mice (Mus spp.), voles (Microtus spp.),
fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) and eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) aze expected to
utilize the Property year round. Meso-predators species such as coyote (Canis latrans), striped
skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and red fox (Vulpes fulva) and raccoon (Procyon lotor) may be
common due to proximity to Aurthur Ditch.
3.2 Wetlands
There are no wetlands on the Property. According to the National Wetlands Inventory
(ht�t��:;';'���ww.h�s.��o��,'����tit���c�s!dat�u'r��apper.klt��il) Aurthur Ditch, which flows from west to east
along the northern boundary, is a riverine wetland with an unknown perennial source and
unconsolidated bottom (RSUB).
According to the City of Fort Collins Geographic Information Services,
http: �ti����w.fc<.:o��.c:o�n!utilities;'tii�hat-��c-do/stoi-i������ate�--tloodin��flloocipiai�l-tnaps-docun��t7.t�)
the Property is located on FEMA Map Panel (08069C0976F) and does not occur within a FEMA
or City of Ft. Collins designated floodplain.
3.3 Native Trees and Vegetation
Native trees and vegetation form a minor component of the overstory and understory. Trees are
concentrated along the northern, and eastern boundaries as well as along fence lines within the
interior. Native tree species in descending order of abundance include Rocky Mountain maple
(Acer glabrum), green ash (Frc�inus pennsylvanica), honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos),
ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), plains cottonwood (Populous sargentii), blue spruce (Picea
pungens) and apple (Malus spp.) Shrubs include Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus
scopulorum). Native forbs include goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri). Other native forb and
grass species were not apparent.
3.4 Non-native Trees and Vegetation
The overstory and understory of this site are dominated by exotic species. Siberian elm (Ulmus
pumila) is the most abundant exotic tree. The herbaceous layer is dominated by smooth brome
(Bromus inermis). Other exotic forbs and grasses were less abundant. Exotic forbs include
kochia (Bassia scoparia), yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis), dock (Rumex spp.), mustard
(Brassica spp.), dandelion (Taraxaxum offinale), Russian thistle (Salsola iberica), mullein
(Verbascum thapsus), knotweed (Polygonum spp.), woolly hedgenettle (Stachys byzantina),
stork's bill (Erodium cicutarum), flixweed (Descurainia sophia), shepherd's purse (Capsella
bursa pastoris), bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), crossflower (Chorispora tenella), Canada
thistle (Circium arvenese), common mallow (Malva neglecta), redstem filaree (Erodium
cicutarium) and alfalfa (Medicago spp.) Exotic grasses inclide rye (Secale cereale) and
cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). It should be noted that mullein, redstem filaree and Canada
thistle are State-listed noxious species.
West Vine Storage
Ecological Characterization Study
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3.5 Special Habitats and Features
C�
Aurthur Ditch is an aquatic feature that provides wildlife habitat for mammals, reptiles,
amphibians and avifauna. More importantly, it serves as wildlife migration corridor through
which urban-adapted species can move through the region.
3.6 General Ecological Functions
The overall ecological function of this site is low because it occurs within a region that is highly
fragmented. A single grass species (smooth brome) dominates the site while other abundant
species are exotic and early seral reflective of site disturbance. Pollinator habitat value is also
low according to the Xerces Society Pollinator Habitat Assessment for Natural Areas and
Rangelands (http:!!���w�«�.�et�ces.or<�!���p-
c��ntcflzt�uE�t����c�s!?Ol�%12%Pc�ili��ator�Iat�i�atAssessme:nt Natural��re��sRan�elands ���eb.���1#).
Mature Siberian elm trees with decadent branches can potentially provide nesting habitat for
passerine migrant species and it is assumed that meso-predators such as skunk and raccoon as
well as avifauna make regular use of Aurthur Ditch. The current development plans do not call
for development along the corridor; therefore, the proposed development should not affect the
ecological function of this feature.
3.7 Mitigation
We recommend the following actions to maintain ecological function and improve
environmental quality:
• Retain (or plant) deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs to create vertical structure
and thermal cover for avifauna and mammals. For native flowering plant seed mix use
Pawnee Butts Seed Inc. Prairie Wildflower Mix
(}�t�: ;'��ti��;' pa«��cebuttL>se�c�.com'sced-list'n�ixe,; )
• Implement screening measures as described in the project proposal.
• Enhance pollinator habitat by establishing native cool and warm season flowering plants
along the top of berm near Aurthur Ditch and within detention areas; limit the use of
insecticides.
• Maintain value of Aurthur Ditch as a wildlife movement corridor by utilizing proposed
setbacks as described in the site plan.
• Utilize the Pawnee Butts Seed Inc. Foothills Native Mix as a restoration grass mix within
detention areas (ht�w��.p��L��'��rebutt:�ss��u.��itn/seed-list'mi�es/)
4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations
Blue Mountain Environmental Consulting recommends the above mitigation be implemented to
maintain ecological function.
West Vine Storage
Ecological Characterization Study
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Appendix A: Project Maps
•
West Vine Storage
Ecological Characterization Study
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West Vine Storage
Ecological Characterization Study